THE month of October is upon us, which means it is also time for the annual NHS campaign known as "Stoptober".

This is a 28-day challenge to give up smoking. Research shows that if a person manages to give up for 28 days then they are five times more likely to give up for good.

The benefits of stopping smoking are well known to all of us. They include reduced blood pressure levels, reduced risk of a number of life shortening conditions such as chronic heart disease, a number of cancers and stroke. Not to mention all the money you can save!

The great thing about this particular campaign is that it features plenty of support and resources available through the NHS, and it’s all free as well.

It also means that you can and should tell all your friends, family and work colleagues that you’re doing the Stoptober Challenge. They can then either join you or support your own efforts to quit.

The other advantage of Stoptober is that you know you’re not alone. At the time of writing this more than 113,000 people had signed up to take part via the NHS Stoptober website, and I’m sure there will be more involved who haven’t signed up online.

One of the most important tips for when it comes to breaking habits – or creating new good habits – is that you have to take one day at a time.

If the habit you’re trying to break overwhelms you on day seven, you should just see it as a blip, then get straight back into your challenge.

People make a common mistake when, for example, they attempt to change their eating habits. They have a blip on Wednesday where they eat something they shouldn't and say: 'Oh I’ll start again on Monday'. So their bad habit never changes.

October isn’t the only time of year that you can kick those bad habits or seek the support of the NHS or your friends. And smoking isn’t the only habit you can seek help with.

Your GP can refer you to various groups that will support with smoking cessation, improving your diet and even introducing you to exercise and activity.

I would always urge anyone trying to make any of these changes to tell those around them. People are generally really supportive and that encouraging word when you are struggling is all it takes to keep you going. Just ask anyone who did the Tough Mudder event a few weeks ago.

Your first port of call for Stoptober is to check out the website and get registered at stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk. Alternatively, pop along to your GP surgery where there is always information and details of support that you can access.

For help with other habits, such as diet and/or getting into exercise, check out the NHS website again. You will also find lots of information at Keighley Leisure Centre or on the council website at bradford.gov.uk/bmdc/leisure_and_culture

So make a start on kicking those bad habits now, for your own good.